FBI file on North Korean pro wrestling events in 1995

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I should be categorized as a media requester. This request is part of my reporting process, and I will use the materials in my coverage (for various outlets including VICE, Wrestling Observer, Fighting Spirit Magazine, and Death & Taxes) of news in the public interest. I hereby request the following records:

A copy of the FBI file on the April 28-29, 1995 professional wrestling event in Pyongyang, North Korea and any related case files having to do with American citizens going on the trip to these shows. Last year, Sports Illustrated did a feature on the event speaking to many of the wrestlers involved: http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/04/27/muhammad-ali-ric-flair-oral-history-pro-wrestling-north-korea

Please provide not just main file records, but also for cross-reference records, the products of an ELSUR search, and all records of past requests and denials for records pertaining to this case file. For anything not produced, please send a proper Vaughn Index.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

David Bixenspan

To whom it may concern:

Here is some additional information that may help with Request Number NFP-57840:

Event: NJPW & WCW pro wrestling cards sometimes known as “Collision in Korea” and "Pyongyang Sports Festival"
Date(s): April 28-29, 1995
Location: Mayday Stadium in Pyongyang North Korea

American residents and citizens on the trip/performing at the event include:

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016)
Christopher Michael Benoit (May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007)
Charles Bernard Scaggs (born October 25, 1965)
Scott Norton (born June 15, 1958)
Michael Hegstrand (September 12, 1957 – October 19, 2003)
Robert Rechsteiner (born March 9, 1961)
Scott Carl Rechsteiner (born July 29, 1962)
Richard Morgan Fliehr (born February 25, 1949)
Eric Aaron Bischoff (born May 27, 1955)
Kazuo Sonny Onoo (born July 29, 1962)

Also on the trip was Japanese politician and professional wrestler/promoter Kanji Inoki, also known as Antonio Inoki and Muhammad Hussein Inoki (born February 20, 1943) and a number of other Japanese nationals.

Being that it was, effectively, an unauthorized trip to North Korea by a group of American entertainers that was organized by a legislator from an American ally, I would think that it may have been on the FBI's radar. It's been reported on in the past, including by Sports Illustrated in an article by Dan Greene titled "Oral History of Pro Wrestling’s 1995 Historic Excursion into North Korea."

Hopefully this helps you find any record that the Bureau may have relating to this event/the group of people who went to North Korea for this event.

Thanks,
David Bixenspan

To Whom It May Concern:

The communication copied below has also been directed to the Office of Information Policy.

Thank you.
__________

To whom it may concern:

Here is some additional information that may help with Request Number NFP-57840:

Event: NJPW & WCW pro wrestling cards sometimes known as “Collision in Korea” and "Pyongyang Sports Festival"
Date(s): April 28-29, 1995
Location: Mayday Stadium in Pyongyang North Korea

American residents and citizens on the trip/performing at the event include:

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016)
Christopher Michael Benoit (May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007)
Charles Bernard Scaggs (born October 25, 1965)
Scott Norton (born June 15, 1958)
Michael Hegstrand (September 12, 1957 – October 19, 2003)
Robert Rechsteiner (born March 9, 1961)
Scott Carl Rechsteiner (born July 29, 1962)
Richard Morgan Fliehr (born February 25, 1949)
Eric Aaron Bischoff (born May 27, 1955)
Kazuo Sonny Onoo (born July 29, 1962)

Also on the trip was Japanese politician and professional wrestler/promoter Kanji Inoki, also known as Antonio Inoki and Muhammad Hussein Inoki (born February 20, 1943) and a number of other Japanese nationals.

Being that it was, effectively, an unauthorized trip to North Korea by a group of American entertainers that was organized by a legislator from an American ally, I would think that it may have been on the FBI's radar. It's been reported on in the past, including by Sports Illustrated in an article by Dan Greene titled "Oral History of Pro Wrestling’s 1995 Historic Excursion into North Korea."

Hopefully this helps you find any record that the Bureau may have relating to this event/the group of people who went to North Korea for this event.

Thanks,
David Bixenspan